It is hard to imagine life as an art lover without frequent pilgrimages in search of ancient monuments or dazzling museums. Exhibitions and events are so bountiful these days that one might be in danger of being drowned in endless travel options. The world is your oyster, and here are the five pearls that I have handpicked.
Cairo
The Great Sphinx of Giza with the pyramid of Khafre in the background
Photo: Getty Images
There is no better time to visit Cairo since the Grand Egyptian Museum opened in November 2025. Located near the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it houses 100,000 artefacts spanning seven millennia of history. The crown jewel is the entire contents of the intact tomb of King Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since its discovery in 1922. Designed by Dublin-based Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum’s angular form aligns with the positioning of the three pyramids, which are made visible throughout. Wrapped in triangular panels formed from translucent alabaster, Egyptian limestone and glass, the 50,000-square-metre site will make it the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation.
'I See, I See' by Federica Di Carlo at Forever is Now 2024
Beyond the grandeur of the ancient pyramids and temples is the vibrant contemporary art scene. ‘Forever Is Now’, an annual contemporary art exhibition taking place on the Giza plateau, features artists from across the globe and weaves diverse narratives with the pyramids as vessels of myth and memory. Interesting art spaces include Darb 1718, an arts and cultural centre in the old town; Gypsum Gallery, which bridges the gap between non-profit and commercial representation of artists; and ARD Art Institute that operates as a multifunctional incubator to support emerging artists.
To stay: Marriott Mena House, for its spectacular pyramid views, royal history and lavish interiors
Doha
Influenced by tradition, modernity and Gulf futurism, and with the arrival of Art Basel Qatar in February 2026, Doha is fast becoming one of the Gulf’s top destinations for art. My personal favourite is the National Museum of Qatar, designed by none other than the Pritzker winner Jean Nouvel. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art houses over 9,000 artworks, giving one a fascinating overview of the ever-changing contemporary scene of the region. Fire Station runs residency programmes for multi-disciplinary creatives.
M7 Design and Cultural Hub designed by John McAslan + Partners
M7, a stylish multipurpose incubator for local creative startups of design, fashion and technology in the Design District, will be home to the inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar. A new quadrennial, Rubaiya Qatar, is also set to launch in November 2026 at the Al Riwaq pavilion.
Don’t forget to go on a treasure hunt of the various public art installations around the city, beyond the iconic Lamp Bear (2014) sculpture by Urs Fischer that welcomes you at the airport.
To stay: Fairmont Doha, for its nautical-inspired interior that merges contemporary elements with Middle Eastern glam in the iconic Katara Towers
Shanghai
From the Art Deco gems along the Bund, galleries hiding among leafy lanes of the former French Concession, to the avant-garde skyscrapers by global starchitects, Shanghai remains China’s cosmopolitan hub today. At neck-breaking speed, new cultural hotspots pop up every year alongside old favourites of the art world.
Visit before the end of March 2026 to catch the 15th Shanghai Biennale at the Power Station of Art. Rockbund Museum, Yuz Museum, Long Museum, and Tank Shanghai are all fixtures of the private museum scene, as well as Fosun Foundation, which was designed by Thomas Heatherwick and Foster + Partners.
Fotografiska, converted from a former bank warehouse by AIM Architecture
Prada’s Rongzhai also welcomed the addition of Mi Shang, a stylish café and restaurant designed by none other than director Wong Kar Wai. An exciting rise of art pedigree along the Suzhou Creek neighbourhood has seen cutting-edge galleries and foundations moving into converted warehouses, including Longlati Foundation in Suhe Haus, and Fotografiska.
To stay: Capella Shanghai, for its cultural heritage and luxurious interior, all tastefully embedded in meticulously restored 1930s Shikumen townhouses
Taipei
Photo: Alberto Buzzola/LightRocket via Getty Images
Taipei is one of those magical places where tradition gracefully intertwines with modernity. Known for the many culinary delights and friendly locals, there is also a vibrant art scene waiting to be discovered. Don’t miss the 14th Taipei Biennale, on view at Taipei Fine Arts Museum until the end of March 2026. National Palace Museum is a real treasure trove of Chinese imperial artefacts, while the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei showcases an avant-garde programme. There are numerous galleries in the Neihu neighbourhood. My personal favourite is Tao Art, founded by dear friend Vicky Chen housed in a sleek space designed by Jun Aoki.
A new arrival to the scene, PAVILION will take place at the Grand Courtyard in January 2026. A booth-free alternative to tradition art fairs co-founded by my friends Willem Molesworth and Ysabelle Cheung, the former Navy guest house will host over 15 galleries in its inaugural edition.
To stay: Kimpton Da’an, for its intimate atmosphere, top-notch concierge service and beautifully preened pooches walking through the lobby (it is dog-friendly)
Venice
Gondola in the Grand Canal, with Palazzo Ducale in the background
Venice is the epitome of a romantic dream, like Lord Byron and James Joyce’s word coming to life on whispering canals. Long been an art destination since the days of Grand Tour, the who’s who of the art world will once again flock to La Serenissima for the Venice Biennale, a global stage for groundbreaking art dating back to 1895. The best known contemporary art extravaganza, a visit to the Giardini and the Arsenale is a must to visit the central exhibition, as well as national pavilions where respective countries put on exhibitions by prominent artists. Running from May to November 2026, there will also parallel exhibitions in palazzos and galleries alike throughout the city.
While many visitors are none the wiser to the treasures lying behind the palazzo’s ornate facades, I always make time for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Pinault Collection (housed in Palazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana), and Fondazione Prada (in Ca’ Corner della Regina). Also make sure you visit San Marco Art Centre, which opened in May this year.
To stay: Aman Venice, for its unbeatable location and true Italian aristocratic flair
Editor
Patricia Li
